The evidence continues to strengthen that human-induced activity is causing our planet to warm and its climate to become more chaotic. Experts agree that we face uncertain and challenging futures without rapid and concerted action.

However, changes can be made. Making an area more sustainable has many positive benefits including improved air quality, a secure energy supply, a healthier population and more. It provides an opportunity to come together to build cohesive communities, living simpler but more fulfilling lives, which most importantly are sustainable for current and future generations.

Check your carbon footprint

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole residents can take action by making their homes more energy efficient, reducing and recycling their waste, adapting their diet or choosing public or low-carbon transport, and lots more.

You can measure your own individual impact by using WWF’s carbon footprint calculator to better understand where you can make the most impactful changes at an individual level.

Energy

Combustion to create energy from fossil fuels such as gas and petrol remains a significant contributor to our Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.

Many changes taken to reduce our individual energy footprint will have positive environmental, financial and health impacts. It is often worthwhile to invest in more energy efficient lighting such as LED bulbs, appliances, and insulation. Your energy supply may be selected on a variable tariff saving money and helping to flatten demand across the network. Energy can be purchased only from guaranteed renewable sources or can be generated at home often saving money over the long-term.

Purchasing electrical rather than fossil-fuel based goods such as gas and oil will ensure your purchases are future-proofed ahead of the planned decarbonised electrical grid.

The CSE website has more tips and advice on making your home more energy efficient.

The Local Energy Action Partnership (LEAP) scheme gives you free personalised advice and gadgets to help you cut down on your energy bills.

Travel

Transport is now the sector that has the greatest carbon footprint in the UK and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. To achieve net zero, we need a transformational shift away from private and carbon-intensive means of travel such as fossil-fuel cars and air travel, towards fewer, more localised and low-carbon journeys by bike, walking or public transport.

Making more sustainable travel choices in your everyday life can improve your health and wellbeing – while also reducing stress and saving money.

Bike Share with Beryl offers 1,000 bikes and 219 bays in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

If you have space in your car or you are looking to share with someone else, Car Share Dorset is available in the community.

MoreBus run bus routes all across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Zapmap maps all the electric vehicle charging points in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The Getting About website has more information about travel options.

Nature pledge

Join us in our nature pledge to do things better for nature by helping to bring wildlife to your home, school or workplace.

Home composting your waste can provide nutrient-rich food for your plants and flowers.

Water butts can collect rainfall to be used to water plants and clean mucky items, which can save money on water bills and reduce river pollution by limiting run-off into drains during heavy rainfall events. The outside of your property can be made into a habitat for wildlife or you can make your garden more environmentally friendly. 

The Wildlife Trusts , National Trust, and RSPB have more helpful tips. 

Waste

There are many ways to reduce, reuse and recycle your waste:

• avoid single-use plastics like cutlery for BBQs, picnics or parties
• take a refillable bottle to work or while travelling and use reusable bags and containers where you can
• think about whether you really need to make a new purchase and if the benefits justify the environmental impact - you may be able to borrow the items instead
• buy used, such as from online second hand marketplaces or charity shops
• find alternative uses for things you usually throw away such as through upcycling
• take working items you no longer use to new to you in Poole or other second hand stores
• recycle the things you cannot use

Find out more about our waste services, including what you can put in your bins and how to find a zero waste project.

Climate friendly food

Choosing locally sourced, organic, and plant-based foods can reduce the carbon impact related to food production and transportation while also promoting better health and supporting sustainable farming.

Plant-based diets have a much lower carbon footprint than animal-based ones, especially red meat, which contributes heavily to deforestation, land shortages, and methane emissions. While full vegetarian or vegan diets may not suit everyone, reducing high-impact animal products can still make a meaningful difference.

Planning meals, buying seasonal produce and freezing leftovers help minimize food waste and can help reduce environmental harm.

Find out more and use a climate change food calculator to see your impact. 

Decarbonisation support for local businesses

If you are an SME based in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole, you can access up to £500 towards an energy audit for your premises. We are also continuing to provide funded Carbon Literacy for SMEs to increase climate education and awareness within our private sector. Both schemes are funded by our UK Shared Prosperity Fund. For more information, email economicdevelopment@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.